Drug and Alcohol in the workplace
One of the leading causes of industrial accidents is drug and alcohol misuse in the workplace. It causes employers millions of pounds each year, due to lost productivity, increased sickness absence and increased accidents.
Drug and alcohol use in the workplace is especially a concern when employees operate heavy machinery, operate vehicles or are safety critical workers.
What is Drug and Alcohol Testing?
As an employer you have a legal duty to minimise harm to your workers. If you think you may require testing or suspect there is a problem, testing carried about by an external, impartial, occupational health team, can provide a fair, independent evidence to assist in the management of the situation.
Testing types
There are a few different types of tests to determine whether drugs or alcohol is in a worker. Drugs and alcohol can be tested for with urine, saliva, hair drug tests and breath alcohol testing. All types of tests provide our clients with accurate and quick results, tailored to their requirements.
These instant tests return either a negative or non-negative result. If the result is non-negative then the test sample will be sent to the accredited laboratory for further analysis. Use of an accredited laboratory means that the report they provide is legally defensible and court-admissible if needs be.
The following types of drug and alcohol testing can be offered:
- Pre employment/confirmation testing – safety critical roles.
- Random testing/Randomisation testing – In line with company policy for testing. From a legislative perspective the testing must either be completely random or limited only to employees that need testing. You cannot single out particular employees for testing unless the nature of their jobs justifies doing so.
- With Cause Testing – Following a specific work-related event or concern which poses a serious health and safety risk.
Does my business need a Drug and Alcohol Policy?
Under the legislation around, drug and alcohol testing, employees need to be aware of the employers stance on drug and alcohol use in the workplace. The employee or worker needs to be aware of your business drug and alcohol policy, and what the outcome will be if they fail to pass a test.
It is important to have a clear drug and alcohol policy, so all workers are aware they are required to participate in random drug and alcohol testing, and the consequences if they refuse.
If it is prohibited by your workplace policy and the resulting impairment causes a health and safety risk, then disciplinary action is usually expected. Dismissal may even be justified in certain situations.